TMC questions PM Modi’s silence on Dadri lynching incident

Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the recent killing of a man at Dadri over rumours that he had eaten beef, TMC (Trinamool Congress) MP (Member of Parliament) Sultan Ahmed on Friday said that the PM should make a statement on "communal" incidents in the country to stop RSS and other outfits from disrupting communal harmony.

"We want to know why Narendra Modi is silent on the recent killing of a person over rumours of consuming beef. This is nothing but spreading communal poison in the society and disrupting the fabric of the country," Ahmed said.

"Modi keeps on speaking about each and every issue. But he stays mum on various communal incidents. He should speak up in order to stop RSS, VHP from destroying communal peace," he said.

Ahmed's comment comes in the wake of a lynching incident in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh's Dadri city, where 50-year-old Iqlakh was beaten to death and his 22-year-old son Danish was critically injured by a 200-strong mob which barged into their house on Monday night following rumours that the family had consumed beef. Cow slaughter is banned in Uttar Pradesh.

"India has been a country where various religions have been living in peace for several centuries. The Modi government is trying to destroy the communal fabric of our nation," he added.

Controversial AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also visited the family of the man in Grater Noida, said Modi should have at least sent his condolences in a tweet if "he believes in pluralism and upholding of law".

Congress also said that the prime minister should speak up and condemn the attack.

CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said his party is surprised at Modi's "silence" on such "irrational and intolerant" killing of innocent people.